Molecular genetic characterization of sudden deaths due to thoracic aortic dissection or rupture.

Background: Sudden deaths due to thoracic aortic dissection or rupture (TADR) are often investigated by forensic pathologists in the United States. Up to a quarter of reported TADR result from a highly penetrant autosomal dominant single gene variant. Testing genes associated with familial TADR provides an underlying etiology for the cause of death and informs effective sudden death prevention for at-risk family members.

Identification of collaborative cross mouse strains permissive to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi infection.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is the causative agent of typhoid fever restricted to humans and does not replicate in commonly used inbred mice. Genetic variation in humans is far greater and more complex than that in a single inbred strain of mice. The Collaborative Cross (CC) is a large panel of recombinant inbred strains which has a wider range of genetic diversity than laboratory inbred mouse strains.

The Lack of Natural IgM Increases Susceptibility and Impairs Anti-Vi Polysaccharide IgG Responses in a Mouse Model of Typhoid.

Circulating IgM present in the body prior to any apparent Ag exposure is referred to as natural IgM. Natural IgM provides protective immunity against a variety of pathogens. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S.

Hypothermia-related Deaths: A 10-year Retrospective Study of Two Major Metropolitan Cities in the United States.

Hypothermia-related deaths affect vulnerable populations and are preventable. They account for the vast majority of weather-related deaths in the United States. The postmortem diagnosis of hypothermia can be challenging, as there are no pathognomonic signs.

IL-7 Enables Antibody Responses to Bacterial Polysaccharides by Promoting B Cell Receptor Diversity.

Polysaccharide vaccines such as the Vi polysaccharide (ViPS) of serovar Typhi induce efficient Ab responses in adults but not in young children. The reasons for this difference are not understood. IL-7 dependency in B cell development increases progressively with age.

BAFF receptor and TACI in B-1b cell maintenance and antibacterial responses.

Although evidence of the protective immunity conferred by B-1b cells (CD19(+) B220(+) IgM(hi) Mac1(+) CD5(-)) has been established, the mechanisms governing the maintenance and activation of B-1b cells following pathogen encounter remain unclear. B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) mediate their function in mature B cells through the BAFF receptor (BAFFR) and transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI). BAFFR-deficient mice have lower numbers of B-1b cells, and this reduction is directly proportional to BAFFR levels.

Efficient B cell responses to Borrelia hermsii infection depend on BAFF and BAFFR but not TACI.

T cell-independent antibody responses develop rapidly, within 3 to 4 days, and are critical for preventing blood-borne pathogens from evolving into life-threatening infections. The interaction of BAFF, also known as BLyS, with its receptors BAFFR and TACI on B cells is critical for B cell homeostasis and function. Using a synthetic polysaccharide antigen, it has previously been shown that TACI is critical for T cell-independent antibody responses.

Quantitative microbial risk assessment of pathogenic vibrios in marine recreational waters of southern california.

This study investigated the occurrence of three types of vibrios in Southern California recreational beach waters during the peak marine bathing season in 2007. Over 160 water samples were concentrated and enriched for the detection of vibrios. Four sets of PCR primers, specific for Vibrio cholerae, V.

Deciphering the role of Toll-like receptors in humoral responses to Borreliae.

The bacteria of the genus Borrelia are arthropod-borne spirochetes that cause relapsing fever and Lyme disease in humans. Like most arthropod-borne pathogens, Borreliae must survive in the periphery of their vertebrate hosts to allow for transmission to another arthropod vector. These spatial and temporal restrictions require that Borreliae evade the adaptive immune response.

A preliminary investigation of upper limb muscle activity during simulated Canadian forest harvesting operations.

Objective: The forest industry is a major economic sector of Canada. While mechanized machines have reduced injuries workers suffered during manual operations, these machines have also created other musculoskeletal concerns. The purpose of this study was to obtain data regarding upper limb musculoskeletal stress during typical harvesting operations using surface electromyography (EMG).

Toll-like receptor 2 deficiency results in impaired antibody responses and septic shock during Borrelia hermsii infection.

Overwhelming bacteremia is a leading cause of death. To understand the mechanisms involved in protective antibody and pathological inflammatory responses during bacteremia, we have been studying the murine model of Borrelia hermsii infection. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling plays an important role in generating the rapid anti-B.